Chapter 8. Hmm? Look at This.
The clear early winter sky was free of clouds, with the chill of autumn giving way to a mild warmth today, as if blessing the path before the three of us.
Cho-ryeong, leading the way, chirped merrily.
“Wow, the weather is so nice!”
“Isn’t it?”
“Leaving the Black Market feels amazing.”
“It should. How about you, Yak-rip?”
We were descending the mountain, having left the Black Market behind. After dealing with Wang Ki-pyo the previous night and strengthening my bond with Bang Yak-rip, we set out immediately. It would take two days to reach Wuchang, where the Martial Alliance was located.
“I’m well, Savior,” Bang Yak-rip replied.
He still called me “Savior,” despite my attempts to dissuade him. I decided to let it go; his bear-like stubbornness was part of his charm, and now that I looked at him, his appearance was quite bear-like too. Maybe his personality matched.
Even so, the way he treated me was shifting from that of a “Savior” to more of a “friend.”
“Brother, should I call you Savior too?” Cho-ryeong teased.
“Please don’t. One’s enough.”
“Hehe, I’m glad.”
I ended up bringing Cho-ryeong out of the Black Market with us. I had initially planned to leave her behind, but she proved so useful that I felt guilty about not compensating her. As a result, I decided to take her along to Wuchang. Once there, she could find her own way to live.
“But Brother, you seem a little different now.”
“Me? You noticed?”
“Yes. How should I put it? You feel more... intense?”
“Oh-ho—”
Cho-ryeong’s intuition was sharper than I’d thought. She must have sensed the significant increase in my internal energy after consuming the elixirs that Yak-rip had given me.
I now possessed thirty-five years’ worth of internal energy. My previous base of fifteen years, the four years from the elixirs I extorted from Chief Ma, and the sixteen years added from the special elixirs crafted by Bang Yak-rip had accumulated to this staggering total.
I had also reached the third level of the Yama’s Tenfold Technique, achieving a state of purity. Now, passing the Martial Alliance’s entrance exam would be no issue.
“This is all thanks to Yak-rip.”
“It’s your skill, Savior.”
“No, it’s because of Yak-rip. Without your specially crafted elixirs, their effects would have been greatly reduced. Even after consuming them consecutively, the diminishing returns were minimal.”
This was why Bang Yak-rip was renowned as the best elixir maker in the martial world. Consuming elixirs doesn’t endlessly increase internal energy; taking them in succession usually reduces their effectiveness and can sometimes even be harmful.
If unlimited internal energy could be gained by consuming elixirs, the wealthiest person would be the world’s top martial artist.
But Bang Yak-rip’s elixirs were different. Despite consuming three elixirs in quick succession, I reaped the full benefits. In fact, the original potency of the elixirs increased by twenty percent.
Though I’d pushed the limits and couldn’t consume any more elixirs for the time being, this was more than enough.
“I’m embarrassed, Savior.”
“There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. It’s your skill. Haha.”
“You two are so strange,” Cho-ryeong muttered, looking at us with a mix of shock and amusement. But what could she say?
I was thrilled that my martial skills were recovering, and I was glad to have become friends with Bang Yak-rip, someone I felt had been watching over me for a long time.
Even the sky seemed to be smiling down on us.
“But Savior, have you taken care of everything in the Black Market?”
“The Black Market?”
“Since you were competing in the Heavenly Martial Alliance Tournament, Chief Ma wouldn’t have let you go easily. He’s a persistent man, and given his investment in you, he wouldn’t have just let you leave. Especially since the Black Market is still ongoing...”
Bang Yak-rip’s question made me chuckle. I had dealt with Chief Ma quite effectively.
“Cho-ryeong helped with that.”
“Cho-ryeong did?”
“Believe it or not, she risked her life to do it.”
I had used information from my previous life to obtain evidence of Chief Ma’s corruption through Cho-ryeong. It was a huge gamble for her, but she managed to retrieve the incriminating ledger from the location I had told her about.
I used that ledger to blackmail Chief Ma, forcing him to keep quiet and allowing us to leave the Black Market.
- Listen, Jang Man-bok. I’ll do as you say. But if you leave, I...
Chief Ma had been thoroughly flustered, likely because he was the only Chief overseeing the Heavenly Martial Alliance Tournament. Without me and Wang Ki-pyo, his position would undoubtedly weaken.
He might even lose his job, which in the Black Market, meant certain death.
‘Whatever fate he meets, it’s his karma. After all, working in the Black Market means you’re a villain.’
“You did well. It was a commendable feat.”
“It was nothing,” Cho-ryeong replied modestly.
“No, it was a great help to the Savior. I, too, will repay you someday,” Bang Yak-rip praised her.
But Cho-ryeong’s expression turned strange. She squirmed, her ears turning red. What was this girl’s deal?
She had been oddly disappointed when I had taken off my mask. And now, seeing her blush around Yak-rip? Interesting.
Not that it mattered. Once we reached Wuchang, she would be free to find her own way.
“So, where are we headed?”
“Hm? I didn’t tell you?”
“No, we’ve just been walking down the mountain. Are we going to your hometown?”
Cho-ryeong’s question also caught Bang Yak-rip’s attention. He seemed curious as well.
“We’re heading to Wuchang.”
“Wuchang? Why?”
“I already told you, I’m going to participate in the Martial Alliance exam.”
“”What?””
Why were they both so surprised?
“You mean, the guy who tore someone apart in the Black Market fighting pit really wants to become a chivalrous warrior? Wang Ki-pyo begged for his life, didn’t he?”
“Savior, is it true that you aspire to be a hero? Truly?”
Both of them stopped in their tracks, looking at me with wide eyes. I answered them seriously.
“Yes. Honestly, the Black Market activities won’t matter to the Martial Alliance. And it’s been a long-held dream of mine—to become a sword saint.”
The dream was old and faded, but it was true. Although my goals had shifted somewhat, the desire remained.
“The world must be coming to an end. If the Sword Saint hears of this, he won’t let you be, Brother.”
“...I agree. Savior,” Bang Yak-rip sighed.
Was it really that absurd?
* * *
The Martial Alliance was located in Wuchang, Hubei Province.
It was strategically positioned along the Yangtze River, offering easy access to other provinces, and the city was well-developed with a thriving commerce sector. But that wasn’t all.
The alliance had been initially established by the Zhuge family, the Wudang Sect, and the Shaolin Temple, which were all nearby. The Nanguong family, the Huashan Sect, and the Zhongnan Sect were also within a favorable distance.
Moreover, across the Yangtze River in Hunan Province, the Sado Union, the strongest among the demonic sects, was based, so it made sense that the Martial Alliance was founded here to keep them in check.
Although peace had reigned in the martial world for over twenty years, causing a general sense of complacency, the Martial Alliance remained the center of the righteous martial world.
“Wow! The food here in Wuchang is delicious!” Cho-ryeong exclaimed as we ate.
“This inn is famous for its cuisine.”
“Brother, how do you know about places like this? Brother Bang, have some more. Here.”
We had arrived in Wuchang and were now at the Yunwoo Inn, overlooking Dongting Lake.
We had barely made it to Wuchang in time, registering for the Martial Alliance exam with a day to spare.
We had been delayed slightly by an encounter with bandits along the way, who required some “educating” before we continued on our journey.
I had vowed not to overlook evil deeds, so we had taken the time to wipe out their hideout completely. They were involved in human trafficking, so I burned them all to ashes.
Bang Yak-rip and Cho-ryeong had been shocked by the sight, but what could I do?
“There are a lot of people here, Savior,” Bang Yak-rip observed.
“It’s the Martial Alliance exam period.”
It was said that about ten thousand candidates showed up each year. Some even claimed the number was closer to a hundred thousand, though that was likely an exaggeration.
“That explains why so many people are armed.”
“Most of them are aiming for the 12th level of the exam. Even if they can’t become high-ranking members, it’s a good opportunity to learn martial arts, and the pay for the dangerous missions isn’t bad.”
“What about you, Savior?”
“I’m aiming for the 8th level, of course.”
At my confident declaration, a few people glanced our way, only to quickly dismiss us after seeing my appearance.
And who could blame them? The 8th level of the Martial Alliance exam was where they selected officers for the combat division. It was mostly attempted by the offspring of prestigious families or members of major sects.
It was the starting point for top-tier warriors, or sometimes seasoned middle-aged masters who had wandered as ronin for years.
“Savior, you truly are remarkable.”
“It’s nothing. But what about you, Yak-rip? If you want to open a clinic, I can set one up for you in Wuchang. Or you could open an apothecary.”
Bang Yak-rip shook his head.
“I can’t ask for more help. And didn’t I agree to join you in your grand plan?”
“That’s true. But if I enter the Martial Alliance, we won’t see each other for a while.”
“I’m considering taking the exam too. They’re bound to need doctors, given the number of warriors they’re recruiting. I can register today.”
That made sense.
“Our Yak-rip has a plan, huh?”
“I couldn’t bear to lose sight of you, Savior.”
“And what about you, Cho-ryeong?”
I turned to Cho-ryeong. She didn’t have anywhere else to go.
But I couldn’t take responsibility for her forever. Getting her out of the Black Market was my duty fulfilled. If she wanted to stay friends, she needed to find her own way to live.
But, surprisingly, Cho-ryeong had a solid plan.
“I’m thinking of heading to Huanghelou. I want to become an entertainer there. You might think I’m lacking in skills, Brother, but I’m actually pretty good for my age.”
“Really?”
Honestly, I wasn’t sure. In my previous life as the Heavenly Murderer, I hadn’t cared much for women.
I hadn’t frequented any brothels either.
And Huanghelou was the most famous establishment in Wuchang, overlooking Dongting Lake.
But it wasn’t my place to worry about her future.
“Here, take this.”
I pulled out a pouch of coins from my pocket.
“...?”
“I heard you didn’t get paid properly by Chief Ma. I took this as your payment. Use it until you find a job and a place to stay. And if anyone bothers you, mention my name.”
“Pfft— As if anyone will know your name.”
“They will soon enough.”
Cho-ryeong pouted her lips and sniffed.
“Thank you, Brother. I won’t forget your kindness. I’ll repay it someday.”
“Don’t worry about it. Just live happily.”
“Don’t talk as if we won’t see each other again!”
“Haha, alright.”
I wasn’t planning to cut her out of my life completely. If she did settle in Huanghelou, I might drop by for a drink.
Who knows? With her looks, she might become the top entertainer there.
Cho-ryeong reminded me of my younger sister, Yeon-hwa, who was about the same age. Maybe that’s why I felt a soft spot for her.
I was about to enter the Martial Alliance, where I’d make new connections, but unlike in my previous life, I didn’t want to neglect them this time.
Then, out of the blue, Bang Yak-rip called out to me.
“Savior.”
“What is it?”
“Why are all those people holding books?”
“...Good question.”
I tilted my head. Given that they were armed, they weren’t here for the military officer’s exam.
And books wouldn’t be necessary for a doctor’s, cook’s, or servant’s exam.
“Could it be... there’s a written exam for the Martial Alliance?”
“No, that couldn’t—”
Or could it?
Now that I thought about it, there was a written exam for the 8th level and above. It made sense, considering that they were selecting officers.
I’d forgotten because, in my previous life, I had only taken the 10th-level exam.
“It seems so. Judging by their appearances, they look like the children of prestigious families. That means there must be a written exam for the 8th level. You’ve prepared for it, right, Savior?”
“....”
I couldn’t answer.
“You haven’t, have you?”
“....”
Bang Yak-rip looked more shocked than I’d ever seen him. But I was even more shocked.
“Why not just take the 10th level exam? That seems doable.”
“....”
“Oh, right. You already registered.”
It seemed I had really messed up.
“Do you think it’s possible to cram in one day and still pass?”
“Not a chance. Why don’t we go buy some provisions? At least one of us should succeed.”
“...I’m doomed.”
* * *
The next day,
I sat quietly amid the bustling crowd, ink and paper laid out before me, my eyes shut tight.
Cho-ryeong had gone to interview at Huanghelou, and Bang Yak-rip was taking the doctor’s exam at the Martial Alliance.
We had all promised to meet up afterward, but with the written exam looming, my confidence was faltering.
- Don’t worry, Brother. If I get into Huanghelou, I’ll support you. You’re my Savior too, after all.
- Savior, I’ll lay the groundwork. You can aim to become the Sword Saint next year.
As annoying as their remarks had been, I was now more motivated than ever to pass and show them some results, but it wouldn’t be easy.
‘They say the written exam for the 8th level of the Martial Alliance is as difficult as a provincial exam.’
It might not be as tough as a military officer’s exam, but I would still need to demonstrate basic knowledge and provide in-depth insight on a given topic.
There was no chance of passing by sheer luck.
So why was I still here?
‘Because I can’t just go home without trying. I have to see this through to the end.’
Compared to these other candidates, I had eaten more than my share of martial meals.
Most of them were either young prodigies or seasoned middle-aged warriors, but combining the experiences of my past life, I had the edge in terms of knowledge and understanding.
‘I’ll give it a shot.’
I couldn’t just give up without trying.
*Thud! Thud! Thud!*
Three drumbeats echoed as a sharp-eyed man entered from afar.
“Welcome, exam candidates. You’ve worked hard to get here. I’m Jegal Su-hyeok, in charge of this 8th-level Martial Alliance exam. There’s much to say, but since not everyone will pass, let’s get straight to the questions.”
*Whoosh!*
Two large scrolls, one red and one yellow, were unfurled beside Jegal Su-hyeok.
“The red scroll contains questions on basic knowledge. The answers are fixed, so answer what you know. The yellow scroll requires you to present your thoughts on a specific topic. You have two hours. Begin.”
I squinted at the small writing on the large scrolls in the distance.
Starting with the red scroll.
“Hmm. Damn. I don’t know a single one.”
As expected, I didn’t recognize any of the questions. This was problematic.
But these questions carried less weight in the scoring. The important questions were on the yellow scroll.
So, I turned my attention to the yellow scroll.
“Hmm...?”
[Discuss the martial world’s future for the next ten years.]
Well, well, well.
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